Superfood Banana Bread

Banana bread is always a crowd pleaser.

But add chocolate chips and almond butter, and it’s a whole other level. I’m always up for making comfort foods and treats more nutritious, so you can enjoy a slice with no guilt whatsoever. And also manage your PCOS properly.

With PCOS it’s even more important to take care of what you are eating. This condition is extremely sensitive to what you put into your body because of factors such as insulin resistance and low grade inflammation. But that does NOT mean you have to eat bland salads all day. Why not make foods that feel good, support your long term health, AND taste amazing?!

This banana bread has some superfood ingredients that makes it quite unique and awesome for PCOS:

Almonds & walnuts

I love nuts for PCOS! Not only are they rich in healthy fats, protein, and vital nutrients, they also have been studied to help manage PCOS symptoms. A study done on women with PCOS showed women who ate walnuts for a 6 week period on a daily basis saw an increase in sex hormone-binding globulin. This is important because SHBG binds to testosterone and lowers androgen levels in the bloodstream (which trigger those symptoms like acne, hirsutism, and hair loss). Women who ate almonds also saw great benefits; lowered androgen and testosterone levels as well as improved insulin function. So eat yo nuts!

Cacao

Yes, you can eat your chocolate! But not just any chocolate. I’m talking pure raw cacao. The real deal. As one of the highest sources of antioxidants, it fights free radicals in the body and supports ovulation, egg quality, and lowering inflammation. It also improves cardiovascular health, energy, mood, and bone health.

Rich in magnesium and chromium, which are commonly deficient, it helps promote a relaxed state (yes that’s one of the reasons it makes you feel so good and chill) and helps support blood sugar levels and re-sensitize insulin receptors. It’s also a good source of iron!

Bananas

Though higher in sugar than some fruits, bananas are a powerhouse of nutrition: rich in calcium, potassium, as well as anti-inflammatory compounds. They also contain good sugars which supports adrenal and liver function. Fruit in moderation is the key here, as it contains so many beneficial phytonutrients. Unripe bananas that are still greenish in color contain prebiotics that feed our good gut bacteria, while riper bananas have been shown to be more nutritious and helpful in fighting infections.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon has been shown to lower blood glucose levels and make our cells more responsive to insulin, as well as increase ovulation rates and regulate the menstrual cycle. A study done on PCOS women who took cinnamon daily for 8 weeks, saw a significant decrease in serum fasting glucose and insulin levels, as well as improved cholesterol and lipid markers.

Choose Ceylon cinnamon which is known as “true cinnamon” and contains an increased amount of beneficial compounds compared to cassia, the more commonly found variety.
Aim for 1/2 - 1 tsp of cinnamon with your meals. I love a turmeric latte with cinnamon, adding it to yogurt or oatmeal, or any baked goods!

Ingredients

2 cups almond flour
1/2 cup low sugar vegan pure dark chocolate chips (or dare to use cacao nibs if you’re crazy about raw cacao like me!)
1 cup unsweetened almond milk
1/2 tsp baking soda
2 eggs or 1 vegan egg (1 tbsp chia seeds + 1 tbsp ground flaxseeds mixed in warm water)
2 tsps ceylon cinnamon powder
Pinch of sea salt
3 ripe bananas
1 tbsp coconut oil

Toppings

Crumbled walnuts
1 sleeve NuIT superfood almond butter

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 350F. Place all dry ingredients into a bowl. Mix your vegan egg in a separate bowl, or add eggs to the mixture if you aren’t vegan. Add the wet ingredients to the dry bowl and mix well together until you have a thick consistency. Add more almond milk if needed. Grease a baking pan with the coconut oil. Add mixture to the pan. Top with crumbled walnuts, drizzled almond butter, and chocolate chips. Bake for 30-45 minutes.